Apple iBooks can now be returned after purchase

Apple has amended its returns policy to allow iBooks to be returned within two weeks of purchase.

The policy, which also refers to music on...

Apple has amended its returns policy to allow iBooks to be returned within two weeks of purchase.

The policy, which also refers to music on iTunes, affects Apple’s store in the UK, Germany, Italy and France, among others, and appears to have been implemented to comply with the European Union regulations brought in in June which demand online sellers give a “right of withdrawal” to customers within 14 days of purchase without giving any reason.

Previously, customers could request a refund if music or iBooks had failed to download, which would be granted on a case-by-case basis through Apple Support.

Apple told customers: “If you choose to cancel your order, you may do so within 14 days from when you received your receipt without giving any reason, except iTunes Gifts which cannot be refunded once you have redeemed the code.”

The implementation of the new 14-day refund rule has led to concerns customers will “trial” books or music and then return them and get their money back, which other retailers would not normally allow, according to The Guardian.

Commentators have raised specific concerns about the potential for customers to return iTunes downloads, which could undermine the integrity of the weekly music chart by the Official Charts Company, or leave it vulnerable to manipulation.